The Princecraft Vectra 23 QL captured my attention: It’s high on features and low on price. (Though the $6,100 upgrade to Mercury’s sporty Mercury Pro XS 115 with Command Thrust gear case gets our recommendation.) Measuring 23 feet, 6 inches it accommodates up to 11 people, so invite the crowd.
Crafted from 5052-H36 marine-grade aluminum alloy, the Vectra 23 QL will hold up over time delivering confidence to owners. Its V-shaped aluminum engine pod and sealed pontoon bulkheads, complete with top-mounted air plugs, further ensure its durability. Guests will enjoy—and again, owners will appreciate—Princecraft’s heavy-weight upholstery. Roto-molded seat bases won’t rot, and abundant storage lives within the seats.
Technology? Princecraft’s got it. Choose options for Humminbird and Lowrance graphs that will help you catch a fish and get home after dark. Enjoy the 160-watt AM/FM/Bluetooth Jensen stereo with its four waterproof speakers.
The Vectra 23 QL offers numerous customization options. Among these is the Black Edition, featuring striking elements such as a black anodized deck bumper, which fuses style with practical benefits. Optional upgrades help to elevate your time aboard with features such as electric Bimini tops and more advanced top-tier sound systems. The Vectra 23 QL also offers specialized packages—Altitude, Infinite, and Mood—which bundle various features Princecraft customers have told the builder they want. This makes the buying process smoother. For example, our tester featured the Mood Package with its removable snack table, glove box and more.
At the stern, we found the swim platform and a telescopic stainless-steel boarding ladder with big rails providing great handholds. Water access will prove easy for young and old. The ski-tow pylon, which is removable, is a sturdy chunk of anodized aluminum that fits into an equally sturdy socket in the deck.
The Princecraft Vectra 23 QL proves that a quality-built, well-equipped pontoon can be bought at a price attractive to cost-conscious buyers.
High Points
- Marine-grade 5052-H36 alloy.
- Mood Package with a snack table, wireless charger and locking glove box.
- Tow pylon and stainless-steel swim ladder.
- Mercury 115 Pro XS test motor with Command Thrust gear case delivers more torque.
How We Tested
- Engine: Mercury 115 Pro XS
- Drive/Prop: Outboard/14″ x 14″ 3-blade stainless steel
- Gear Ratio: 2.38:1 Fuel Load: 20 gal. Crew Weight: 220 lb.
Pricing and Specs
| Price: | $41,174 (base with test engine; no freight) |
| LOA: | 23’6″ |
| Beam: | 8’6″ |
| Draft: | NA |
| Dry Weight: | 2,716 lb. |
| Seat/Weight Capacity: | 11/ 2,237 lb. |
| Fuel Capacity: | 27 gal. |
Princecraft – Princeville, Quebec, Canada; princecraft.com
